2024-08-05 08:28:14
Fatigue, circulatory problems, sleep disorders: Very hot days can become a physical strain. A new report shows how many people already have problems because of this – and which professional groups are particularly at risk.
Around one in four people in Germany have had health problems due to extreme heat this year. According to the health insurance company DAK-Gesundheit, which commissioned the corresponding Forsa study, these can include fatigue, circulatory problems and sleep disorders. In the over 60 age group, around one in three people are affected. There was a significant increase, slightly overall compared to the previous year, as the health insurance company’s summer report shows.
According to a study by the Forsa Institute, heat waves and extreme weather are a major concern for almost two percent of people. Young people in particular are affected by fears.
Those surveyed by health problems are mainly burdened by fatigue (76 percent), circulatory problems (66 percent) and sleep disorders (59 percent). Of those with heat symptoms, 5 percent had to go to a doctor’s office. Another 16 percent said they had forgotten a visit to the gym but would be better off going to the doctor.
Better security systems are needed
In view of the increase in heat waves and extreme weather predicted by science, 61 percent are very or even worried. The developments are especially worrying for young people between the ages of 18 and 29 – 23 percent are very worried. In comparison, age group over 60: Here the value is only 12 percent.
DAK CEO Andreas Storm is in favor of further expanding the heat barrier in Germany. “It’s alarming how many people have health problems in the first few weeks of summer,” Storm said. Federal, state and local governments have done much, but safety plans need to be expanded further. “Children, the sick and the elderly in particular need to be better protected from the heat.” The health insurance boss also spoke in favor of more heat protection in the workplace.
Many believe that something needs to be done urgently for members of professional associations and communities. 89 percent are of the opinion that crafts, construction and other areas with heavy physical work are more affected by heat waves. More people than in the previous year also consider the care sector in retirement and nursing homes to be vulnerable (80 percent) and more than half (58 percent) consider medical care in hospitals.
The researchers also studied nursing workers – among them, the percentage of those exposed to heat is 49 percent, which is higher than double the average for all working people.
dpa/mali
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